Carla Roncato, VP of Identity at WatchGuard Technologies and industry expert in digital identity, open identity standards, data security, and privacy; member of the Women in Identity (WID) organisation
“Today, approximately 850 million people around the world do not have an official ID or a digitally verifiable identification. This impacts their ability to access digital services, such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan. Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by this identity gap. This issue touches countless communities those displaced by conflict and climate disasters, individuals facing housing insecurity, vulnerable youth without legal guardianship, and survivors of domestic violence seeking essential services.
It’s important to build awareness around the need for digitally verifiable identification to pave the way for identity protection, reducing fraud and preventing identity theft and to provide access to essential digital services.
For women considering careers in technology or security, Digital Identity offers not just professional growth but the chance to create impactful change for women everywhere. There has never been a more important time to join this mission and help drive a more inclusive digitally secure future for all.”
Elena García-Mascaraque Sayabera Director, Partner Ecosystem Growth at WatchGuard Technologies
“My lived experience has definitely influenced how I approach security issues. In cybersecurity, each incident is unique, but the lessons learned over time shape our perspective and approach.
I have faced very critical situations from the point of view of business continuity, leading multidisciplinary teams, where it is essential that each of the professionals contribute their best knowledge in the most coordinated way.
My work of coordination, communication at all levels, and translating technical language to business was a fundamental piece for the recovery to mitigate the business impacts and focus the crisis as a method of improvement of the organisation. This strong leadership not only prevented the impact of the problem but also boosted our clients’ confidence in our crisis management capabilities.
My personal experience has taught me the importance of considering the human element in cybersecurity. I’ve learned that merely implementing technological solutions is insufficient; we must also educate and empower individuals to serve as the first line of defense. Therefore, I always approach problems from a holistic perspective, integrating technology, processes, and human empowerment.
One cybersecurity challenge that would benefit significantly from diverse perspectives, particularly those based on gender differences, is the design and implementation of inclusive cyber threat strategies. The underrepresentation of women in the industry, comprising only 24% of the global workforce, limits the variety of approaches needed to tackle complex problems.
Women contribute essential skills such as effective communication, empathy, and a comprehensive understanding of risk. These abilities are crucial for identifying and mitigating threats from various perspectives. Additionally, incorporating diverse perspectives can help address biases in system design, which are often based on the male “average user” and neglect the specific needs of other genders.
Incorporating more women and adopting an intersectional approach would enrich technical solutions and promote a systemic shift towards a cybersecurity strategy that prioritises diverse insights and promotes inclusion.
I have participated in various mentoring initiatives for women in technology, including supporting women entrepreneurs in cybersecurity and promoting STEM for girls.
For the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as a mentor in the Women4Cyber StartUp School initiative, where women entrepreneurs develop business projects in the field of cybersecurity. Our team of mentors consists of professionals from diverse backgrounds, and I find it enriching to see how these women bring unique and comprehensive perspectives to the table. I am continually impressed by their confidence and resilience as they embrace their individuality. Being part of a community like Women4Cyber allows us to share our knowledge and help them achieve success in their business ventures.
As a result of this commitment, WatchGuard was recognised in 2024 as the partner company most dedicated to the Women4Cyber StartUp School program in Spain.
This year, I am also mentoring a group of girls aged 8 to 10 through the TechnovationGirls program. They are designing an app that will help all children safely access toys. It is amazing to witness how such young girls adopt a practical yet global approach. Each girl contributes and collaborates, shaping an idea with the help of technology.
I have spent over 20 years developing my career in the tech sector. The most significant challenge has been adapting to an ever-changing environment, where technology has evolved from a cost component to a fundamental asset within business models. Currently, in the field of cybersecurity, we are faced with the challenge of providing increasingly sophisticated solutions as simple and efficient services for organisations of all types.
I believe the worst advice I received was to avoid focusing on sparking curiosity or understanding the importance of continuous training throughout my career. While a university education provides a solid foundation, ongoing training is even more crucial. I have never stopped my education because we live in a highly dynamic environment, and it’s essential to keep learning at various points in my career, I found it particularly challenging to unlearn outdated practices in order to relearn new concepts.”
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